We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashaki Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashaki, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has been a game changer in my career, in my personal life and in all of my decisions.
If it was not for risk-taking I would’ve missed many opportunities and blessings. The saying “jump and the net will appear” is very real. I think God looks to you for your faith and then he supplies all that you need on the other side. One of the biggest risks I have taken was being on tour as a dancer with a huge recording artist and I didn’t feel that we we’re being taken care of properly or paid sufficiently. I left the tour in pre-production before it even started and it was one of my biggest dreams to go on tour with the a headlining artist and so many other artist that I grew up listening too. The very same day that I quit that tour. I auditioned to go on another tour. Not only did I get the audition but I was the choreographer and I also was the hype girl as they say in the rap community for the tour.
I was out front and center stage as well as doing the choreography and dancing. I got paid double and was able to get the exposure and experience I needed. All from following my heart, and intuition. Taking a risk of letting go of something that I loved. To get something even better. Another big risk that has changed my life is living in California. I lived in New York for nine years and I came to LA for vacation one spring and I decided not to go back in that moment. I kept extending my plane ticket and eventually I quit my job from L.A and as soon as I made the decision A Friend called and said I’m gonna be working on a TV show for two months, do you want to stay at my place and keep my car. As soon as that friend came back another friend said I’m gonna be working on a film for two months would you want to stay at my place and keep my car. What I knew is that I was on the right path and that it was the right decision I had made. I was supported by the universe and I have been here for 7 years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been an artist all of my life. I started dancing at the age of six and by 11 I had been on national television several times. I’ve worked with Oprah and Kanye. Later in my Career I was in a singing group for six years and we were signed to a commercial production company. We were the very 1st artist they signed. They had us doing jingles for Mcdonalds and many others as a way to fund our music careers. When we disbanded I continued on as a singer, dancer and voice-actress and I still do it all till this day. I am signed to Innovative. One the biggest talent agencies for artist. This biggest challenge has been to keep going to see my purpose out fully no matter the obstacles. My faith in my purpose and being on this path since I was very young gives me the strength. I am proud to have known my purpose and had the courage to follow it from a very young age. Following my heart and taking risks have been my biggest lessons.

I am most excited about my new album  “Dream Soul” coming out in the upcoming months. I also worked on some other cool projects that will be coming out soon. It’s been fun watching the Kanye West documentary on Netflix where I sang background on “Never Let Me Down” with Jay-Z, so many memories. I choreographed the Jesus walks dance in Chicago for his video and seeing all the little kids in that video are my cousins and girlfriends children. To see them so small and now all  grown up. It’s been a fun ride.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would 1st go to the beach. My 1st love. Breakfast at Millie,s in Silver Lake. Hiking at Runyon Cannon . A dinner party at a friends is always the best, Dinner at La Cha Cha Cha is my new favorite. Harriet’s to get our dance on and drinks at Death&CO. The name is weird but the place is fabulous and the meaning behind it is cool.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. My mom and stepdad took me to countless dance classes and performances. Being artist themselves making costumes for me still till this day!

Website: www.SoAshaki.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soashaki/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoAshaki

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashaki.ward

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/SoAshaki

Image Credits
London Summers

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